Unnamed Actress Sues IMDb for Publishing Her Real Age

In a move that brings renewed focus to the dearth of quality film roles for women over 40, an actress has filed suit against the Hollywood database website IMDb for publishing her real age.

In the complaint, the plaintiff, who filed as “Jane Doe,” asserts that her IMDb listing has cost her potential work because “in the entertainment industry, youth is king.”

According to the lawsuit, the actress believes IMDb obtained her age through the personal details, including credit card information, she was required to provide when signing up for the pro version of the site in 2008.

She alleges that she contacted IMDb about having her age removed from her listing, but says her request was refused. As her lawyer states in the pages of the complaint, “If one is perceived to be ‘over-the-hill,’ i.e. approaching 40, it is nearly impossible for an up-and-coming actress, such as the Plaintiff, to get work as she is thought to have less of an ‘upside’ therefore casting directors, producers, directors, agents/managers, etc. do not give her the same opportunities, regardless of her appearance and talent.”

The lawsuit asks for punitive damages of $1 million and a restraining order against IMDb. The site has not issued a public statement in response.